Are you interested in working with precious metal clay (PMC, Art Clay Silver, PMC Gold, Art Clay Gold, Aura 22, etc.) or in buying jewelry or other items created with metal clay? This page will introduce you to this remarkable jewelry making material and my recommendations for some of the best metal clay artists, teachers, projects, resources and information available online.

What Is Gold or Silver Precious Metal Clay?

Gold or silver metal clay is made up of particles of precious metal — pure silver or gold or a precious metal alloy such as sterling silver or 22k gold — held together with water and an organic binder to give it a malleable, clay-like consistency that can be impressed with texture, carved, sculpted, drilled, sawn and manipulated with various other methods and techniques to arrive at the desired form and texture.

The precious metal clay object is allowed to air dry naturally or is dried with a dehydrator or applied heat, such as a cup warmer, to allow the water to evaporate. Once dried, the metal clay jewelry or other decorative or functional object is fired at a high temperature with a torch or in a kiln, during which time any remaining traces of water evaporate and the binder combusts and burns off. What is left is just the precious metal, either fine silver (.999 silver, which is 99.9% silver), sterling silver (which is 92.5% silver) or 22K gold. PMC Pro, which is 90% silver and 10% copper (.900 silver), is considered coin silver and is not strictly a precious metal, although it is branded by Mistubishi as PMC (Precious Metal Clay). Both PMC Pro and sterling silver clay need to be fired in activated carbon to prevent oxidation from forming during the firing process that would prevent sintering or fusing of the metal particles. You can also mix equal parts of fine silver and sterling silver clay to get enriched sterling clay, AKA 960 sterling (which is .960 silver).

Metal clay—both precious metal clay and base metal clay types and formulas—allows the artist extraordinary creativity because it can be formed into nearly any shape you desire. It can be molded, shaped by hand, cut, extruded via syringe, painted onto a form, and more. It can be embedded with certain natural and synthetic gemstones (either faceted or cabochon stones) and settings can be created for gems and other stones that cannot withstand the heat needed to fire the metal clay and need to be set after firing. This particular lens will focus on precious metal clay. To learn more about bronze metal clay, please visit my comprehensive articles on BRONZclay, BRONZclay Tools and Supplies and Bronze Metal Clay.

As a certified PMC artist, handcrafted jewelry designer and Senior Editor and Technical Editor of Metal Clay Artist Magazine (now Cre8tiveFire online), I have done a great deal of personal experimentation and research on metal clay. I have gathered and exchanged ideas and information with some of the world's top metal clay artists, teachers, authors and suppliers. I'm sharing the majority of this information in my series of metal clay articles here on HubPages (formerly on Squidoo) as a way of giving back to the metal clay community, which includes some of the most knowledgeable, supportive and generous people it has been my privilege to know.

~ Margaret Schindel

Instructor Cindy Pankopf Answers,"What Is Metal Clay?"

Silver and Gold Metal Clay Brands, Formulas, and Forms

In addition to the two original brands of gold and silver precious metal clay, Art Clay and PMC, several newer brands of silver have been introduced, including MetalMagic and Aussie Metal Clays, among others. Metal Clay Brands and Formulas describes the precious metal products from Art Clay and PMC, including the key similarities and differences between formulas, comparable vs. unique products and formulas, and the key characteristics and most suitable uses of each.

Forms of Metal Clay: Lump, Slip, Syringe and Paper

Silver and gold metal clay comes in four basic forms: lump clay, syringe clay, slip AKA paste, and paper AKA sheet. Forms of Metal Clay describes the key characteristics of these four different forms and the typical/most suitable uses for each of them.

In general, it's best to use the densest form of clay you can (i.e., the one with the highest metal content/lowest shrinkage) for the application you're using it for. Lump clay is densest, very thick slip (AKA paste) is the next most dense, followed by syringe and then thin slip. So for attachments or repairs, in particular, while many artists use syringe, using thin snakes of lump clay will provide stronger joins.

Some of the basic metal clay tools and supplies. | Source

Metal Clay Materials, Tools, Supplies and Equipment

Very little in the way of tools, supplies and equipment are needed to begin working with precious metal clay. Basically you need a smooth, flat, non-porous work surface, such as a sheet of window glass (not automotive glass) or a smooth, glazed porcelain tile, a piece of smooth nonstick sheet, some plastic wrap, a cup of water, a synthetic bristle paint brush, a clay roller (you can use anything from a commercial clay roller to a 6" to 9" length of brass tubing or PVC pipe), an appropriate lubricant (I prefer olive oil), some rolling spacers (playing cards, strips of card stock, etc.), something to cut with (a craft knife, pin tool, or even a sewing needle glued firmly into a handle, such as baked and drilled polymer clay or even a wine cork), something to fire your pieces with with (for small-to-medium sized pieces of fine silver metal clay that aren't too thick, a simple butane kitchen torch will do just fine; for larger, thicker and/or very dimensional pieces or pieces made from sterling silver or coin silver clay formulas you'll need an electric kiln with a programmable controller), and something to fire on (a firebrick or a piece of Solderite board set on a heatproof and flameproof surface if you are torch firing, or a kiln shelf if you are kiln firing).

While you can do quite a bit with just these basic tools, supplies and equipment, if you decide you love working with metal clay you'll no doubt want to add to these to give you more options. For a comprehensive look at what else you might want, my guide to Metal Clay Materials, Tools, Supplies and Equipmentprovides my personal recommendations for the elements of a well stocked, basic metal clay tool kit as well as supplemental items that you may want to add over time to allow you to use specific techniques or work faster, easier, more efficiently and more effectively.

Fine silver kimono charm by Margaret Schindel. Made from PMC metal clay with 24k gold keum-boo on the obi and an iridescent LOS patina, suspended from a sterling silver jump ring. | Source

As metal clay grows in popularity, there are more and more opportunities to take classes of all kinds. You may want to start by checking your local adult education programs and bead shops - many now offer affordably-priced classes and workshops in metal clay.

Many metal clay artists are also instructors, and most provide class schedules on their sites See my lists of recommended Metal Clay Artists and Metal Clay Instructors, below, for some of my favorites.

Online Classes

There are several excellent sources of online metal clay classes, including CraftArtEdu, CRAFTCAST and Craftsy. One of the benefits of taking an online class is that you can go at your own pace. Even live online classes, such as those on CRAFTCAST, come with video recordings of the class that you can download and refer to again and again. So any time you need a refresher, you can take one - in your pajamas, if you want. ;) Nearly all online classes also come with downloadable handouts.

You don't need to be officially certified to teach metal clay classes, and you can benefit enormously from going through the certification training even if you never intend to teach.

If you have some metal clay experience and can afford to take one or more certification classes, I encourage you to do so. Certification training costs several hundred dollars per class, but most certified metal clay artisans agree that the quality of the instruction they received and the new techniques they learned were well worth the investment in their education.

Art Clay World and PMC Connection sponsor metal clay certifications and offer highly structured training programs in which students must complete successfully a series of projects designed to develop and demonstrate proficiency in specific skills and techniques. Rio Grande has discontinued its Rio Rewards certification program.

Each of the companies use different curricula, and each offers discounts to certified artisans (but certification by one company does not entitle you to discounts from either of the other two). Art Clay World divides its certification into Level One and Senior Level curricula. PMC Connection has Level I, Level II and Level III certifications, and although you are not required to take all three classes, the prior level(s) must be completed as a prerequisite for taking Levels II and III.

Both companies' certification programs have excellent reputations, are limited in size to ensure that each student receives individual attention, and are taught by some of the foremost metal clay experts in the world, including Jackie Truty, Gordon Uyehara, Lorrene Davis, Pam East, Lora Hart, Katie Baum, Janet Alexander, Cindy Pankopf, Lisa Pavelka, Delia Marsellos-Traister, Kris Kramer and other well-known and widely-respected metal clay artists and instructors.

The Mid Cornwall School of Jewellery in the UK also has an acclaimed, brand-neutral Diploma in Silver Metal Clay Proficiency program that is far more comprehensive than any of the metal clay certification programs and incorporates traditional jewelry making skills to provide a thorough, professional grounding and credential.

Here are some good places to find metal clay classes near you, from beginner workshops to certification class schedules, from both US certifying organizations to the MCSJ Diploma courses.

Cornwall School of Art, Craft and Jewellery (CSACJ)UK-based Cornwall School of Art, Craft and Jewellery was co-founded by talented metal clay artist and teacher Julia Rai and Marion Wilson. CSACJ offers a very wide range of excellent metal clay classes as well as private instruction.

CRAFTCASTAlison Lee hosts a large number of top artists who present 90-minute live, online classes in their specialty techniques. Metal clay instructors have included luminaries such as Wanaree Tanner, Holly Gage, Celie Fago and Patrik Kusek, among others.

CraftsyCraftsy offers online classes in quilting, sewing, knitting, cooking, cake decorating, painting, photography, jewelry making and other crafts. Includes HD video lessons, handouts, a mobile app, and a class forum with the teacher and other students.

Metal Clay Classes group on Yahoo!This is a spinoff group (from the excellent Metal Clay Gallery group on Yahoo! Groups) where instructors and organizations can post metal clay classes.

Mid Cornwall School of Jewellery (MCSJ)MCSJ is an outstanding school offering high quality classes in jewelry techniques and materials, including an extensive metal clay curriculum. Founded and directed by respected artist, instructor, and Saul Bell Award Finalist Lisa Cain.

Professional Metal Clay Guilds and Organizations

Prior to discontinuing its operations after the June 2012 PMC Conference, the PMC Guild was the official professional and educational organization for Mitsubishi's PMC (Precious Metal Clay) products. Art Clay World is the equivalent organization for Aida's Art Clay products. Now that the PMC Guild has ceased operations and Art Clay World announced that it no longer will be sponsoring a biennial Metal Clay World Conference, the metal clay education and conference landscape is changing.

Two artist-run biennial conferences focus on techniques and sharing of best practices and take place on alternating years. Metal Clay Mojo takes place in odd years (e.g., 2015) and Metal Clay by the Bay takes place in even years (e.g., 2016).

Art Clay SocietyThe Art Clay Society describes itself as "a community of metal clay artists designed to foster artistic, business, and personal growth through inspiration, education and communication." It welcomes all metal clay artists using any metal clay brand.

Art Clay Silver Official Site (in Japanese)A content-rich site that obviously has a ton of great information. Unfortunately for non Japanese language readers, the machine translations I got by using the Google Translate tool were poor and it was frustrating to try to decipher, but worth it.

Metal Clay by the Bay ConferenceThis biennial conference in San Diego is run by jewelry artist Sheila Schwede, who describes it as "a convergence of Metal Clay Artists sharing and learning about all types of Metal Clay." It attracts presenters and attendees from around the world.

Metal Clay Masters RegistryThe Metal Clay Masters Registry is a rigorous, independent, professional credentialing program that allows metal clay artists to demonstrate their proficiency and mastery of this medium both technically and artistically.

PMC GuildThe PMC Guild was an educational organization that promoted instruction, research, teaching and exhibition of Precious Metal Clay between 1997 and 2012. Fortunately, Rio Grande now hosts most of the archived content from the original site.

Great Metal Clay Information and Education Resources

These are sites I personally recommend to learn more about working with metal clay.

CreativeFire by Metal Clay Artist MagazineAfter five years of publishing Metal Clay Artist Magazine in print, publisher and EIC Jeannette LeBlanc moved the magazine online. New content and archived print projects are added frequently. I continue to be the Senior Editor and Technical Editor.

CornerStone - PMC Connection blogThe PMC Connection blog is on sabbatical, but their CornerStone blog archives are well worth checking out. You'll find many interesting and informative posts on a wide range of timely topics, written by a variety of PMC Connection instructors.

Enameling on Fine Silver Metal ClayThis article from the Ganoskin jewelry site includes Excerpts from the book "Enameling with Professionals" by Jean Vormelker. It gives detailed instructions for embellishing your newly-created fine silver pieces with enamels.

Getting Started with Precious Metal Clay (PMC Connection)This introduction to working with metal clay includes tips for beginners and several attractive and easy-to-make projects developed by Jeannette LeBlanc, Publisher of Metal Clay Artist Magazine. I co-wrote and/or edited some of the projects with her.

Kiln Comparison and Tips by Tonya DavidsonA great guide to metal clay kilns with a detailed comparison chart of the most popular Paragon models, from the inexpensive Firefly to the spacious Home Artist, Explains key considerations, such as height, kiln brick vs. muffle interiors and more.

Metal Clay AcademyThe Metal Clay Academy is an online resource that aims "to provide comprehensive and independent information and resources for anyone interested in finding out about metal clay." Lots of wonderful information on a huge range of topics.

Metal Clay Gallery board on Yahoo!A fantastic resource for those who are serious about working with metal clay of any type, brand or formula. Many of the world's best artists and instructors are members of this incredibly active and informational board.

Metal Clay Video Demos (Metal Clay Supply / Metal Clay Guru)The Metal Clay Guru channel on YouTube (sponsored by Metal Clay Supply) includes video demos of selected products. You'll be able to pick up many tips and techniques that can be adapted for use even if you don't have or purchase these products.

Tim McCreight Answers Common Kiln QuestionsThis article on the Ganoksin site by internationally renowned metalsmithing and metal clay guru Tim McCreight will be extremely helpful to anyone who is trying to decide whether to buy a kiln for metal clay work, how to choose one, and much more.

The vast majority of these sites are ones I've personally done business with and can recommend without reservation.

There also are a few international suppliers with whom I have not done business personally, but whose sites are easy to use, helpful, and offer good product selections, and that are run by people whose knowledge and experience I respect.

Art Clay World USAJackie Truty, author of the excellent book "Art Clay Silver and Gold," is president of Art Clay World USA. She offers a wonderful selection of Art Clay Silver and Gold products and related precious metal clay tools, supplies, books and videos.

Gem Resources InternationalShirley offers a great selection of faceted and cabochon natural and lab-created gemstones and cubic zirconia (CZ) stones, many of which can be fired in the kiln. Her prices are unbeatable and she's a pleasure to work with. Shirley asked Judi Weers t

Metal Clay Alchemist (formerly Art Clay Canada)Talented metal clay artist and instructor Carrie Steele and her partners carry the largest selection of tools, materials and clays in the Canadian market, including Art Clay, PMC, Metal Adventures and Hadar's Clay products.

Metal Clay FindingsMCF offers a large selection of fine silver (.999 silver) and sterling silver findings that can be embedded in and fired with silver metal clay and/or used in conjunction with fired metal clay. The Crafted Findings line includes a riveting tool.

Metal ClaysIsraeli-born jewelry designer Liad Wischnia-Nemeth and her husband David Nemeth sell metal clay, tools and supplies at discounted prices, plus their own proprietary tools such as bead builders and bezel builders and their own MetalMagic brand clay.

Rio GrandeRio Grande sells the full range of PMC silver and gold clays as well as BRONZclay and COPPRclay, and a wide variety of metal clay tools and supplies. They carry a huge selection of gemstones, beads, metal, findings, and jewelry tools and equipment.

Metal Clay Artists

Be Inspired by the Work of Some of the World's Top Metal Clay Artists

There are many, many incredibly talented and creative metal clay artists around the globe whose work I admire, far too many for me to be able to list on this page, unfortunately. (I wish I could include them all!) Following are links to the work of a representative selection of some of my favorite metal clay jewelry artists that will provide you with eye candy and inspiration.

Lorena AnguloLorena Angulo is an extremely talented and prolific metal clay artist and instructor whose designs are heavily influenced by the folk art of her native Mexico. Her beautiful and distinctive art has been exhibited in museums and galleries.

Angela CrispinAngela is a fabulously talented artist whose elegant and innovative designs have been featured in many, many books, magazines and other publications. She also has written excellent tutorials, including the one for her fabulous, cone-shaped "Oh! Ring"

Lisa BarthLisa has a marvelous sense of line and proportion and her designs are wonderfully harmonious and flowing. Most include bezel set gemstones and natural themes.She is the author of excellent books "Designing From the Stone" and "Timeless Wire Weaving".

Samantha BraundSamantha's work is created by combining sculptural metal clay, exquisite wire wrapping and gemstones. Her distinctive designs are flowing and organic, inspired by female archetypes from myths and legends, and often with sea/ocean themes.

Lisa CainLisa runs the Mid Cornwall School of Jewellery and is a Metal Clay Master II and an extraordinary, award-winning jewelry artist. You can view samples of her work on the MCSJ site.

Ann DavisAnn is a multi-talented, multimedia jewelry artist, teacher, author and owner of the wonderful La Ruche Davis teaching studio. She works not only in metal clay but also in traditional metalsmithing techniques, electroforming, glass, enamel and wax.

Lorrene J. DavisLorrene is an award-winning jewelry designer, bench jewelry, Art Clay Certified Master Instructor and member of the Revere Academy faculty. Her work in metal clay features wonderful textures and beautifully-set gemstones and fused glass.

Celie FagoCelie is one of the metal clay community's original pioneers and she continues to innovate. Her elegant designs are extremely detailed, finely crafted and often include color from polymer clay, 24k gold keum-boo accents, acrylic paint and patinas.

Joy FunnellJoy is an award-winning artist who creates wonderful jewelry that combines silver metal clay with transparent enamels and dichroic glass. Many of her pieces also include her unusual, handcrafted silver chains. Her silver masks are stunning.

Holly GageHolly is an extraordinarily talented and innovative metal clay artist. Her work is extremely detailed and beautifully designed and crafted. Many pieces include gemstones, crystalline titanium and graceful sculptural elements.

Beverly GalleraniBev is best known for her wonderfully detailed and textured sea-themed metal clay jewelry with molded shells and colorful iridescent patinas. She often incorporates gemstones or her own dichroic glass cabochons into her metal clay designs.

Vickie HallmarkVickie is an award winning jewelry artist who works in a variety of media including metal clay, glass, fiber. Her enamel on metal clay pieces are lovely, and she is best known for her bird-themed designs and metal clay-Argentium wire combinations.

Lora HartLora is a tremendously inventive and talented jewelry artist who combines metal clay with found objects to create pieces rich in personal, world and natural history. She often breathes new life into ordinary items by embellishing them creatively.

Trish Jeffers-ZehTrish is a prolific creator for whom creating art is a process to support physical, mental and spiritual growth. Her work marries metal clay with glass, ceramics and precious stones in graceful, evocative, organic designs.

Jennifer KahnJen is an innovative artist who combines metal clay with gemstones, wire, feathers, textiles, and whatever other media catch her fancy. Her large turquoise cabochon necklaces bezel set in textured silver clay are extraordinary statement pieces.

Linda Kaye-MosesLinda is an extraordinary jeweler and metalsmith whose work has been exhibited at the Smithsonian. She creates unique jewelry communicating narrative and focusing on the power of myth and adornment, often paired with "nesting cases" to display them.

Terry KovalcikTerry creates exquisite metal clay jewelry with textural depth and dimension. He is best known for his lockets and boxes that allow him design the inside as well as the outside to incorporate secret surprises as special gifts for the wearer.

Patrik KusekAward-winning artist Patrik Kusek is the author of "Woodland Chic: Metal Clay Jewelry as Nature Intended". His work is inspired by nature, antiques and diverse sources. He describes his approach as "curating objects, concepts, attitudes and memories.

Helga van LeipsigHelga is a renowned, Netherlands-based award-winning artist whose inspiration comes from nature. A lot of her work involves adhering or embedding squares or dots of silver clay sheet into lump metal clay structures with evocative patterns.

Catherine Davies PaetzCathy is best known for her playful water-etched metal clay designs and her gorgeous transparent enameling. She often adds precious accents to her pieces with gold, gemstones and pearls, and frequently incorporates wire into her work.

Julia RaiJulia's work is exquisite and often incorporates traditional metalworking techniques, gold, gemstones, glass, resin and enamel. This link shows the 40 projects she submitted that earned her the prestigious Metal Clay Masters Registry IV credential.

Susan Breen SilvySusan is an extremely talented jewelry artist who works in metal clay and glass. Her highly textured designs range from nature-inspired to Zentangle-inspired to ornate, filigree-like pieces. Many have pops of color from gemstones or dye oxide patina.

Sabine Alienor SingerySabine is an extremely talented metal clay artist whose beautiful jewelry usually centers around musical and retro/ancient themes. Her designs are graceful and elegant and often feature filigree or openwork elements and regal stone settings.

Jennifer Smith-RighterJennifer is a multi award-winning jewelry artist whose precise, detailed, one-of-a-kind designs often are inspired by nature and/or mechanical objects. Her formal education in both art and architecture are evident in her sstunning work.

Jackie TrutyJackie is an Art Clay Master Instructor and the President of Art Clay World, USA. Her books "Art Clay Silver and Gold" (and its companion video) and "Metal Clay: The Complete Guide" are terrific. She has been featured on numerous television programs. (Please use the "Art Clay World - class descriptions, instructors and calendar" link above to find Jackie's classes.)

Gordon K. UyeharaGordon is a multi-award-winning, world renowned jewelry artist and author of the excellent book "Metal Clay Fusion." He is currently taking a break from live teaching for personal reasons but has recorded several online classes on CraftArtEdu.

Metal Clay Instructors

There are so many wonderfully gifted metal clay instructors around the world that I wish I had space to list them all! Since I can't, following are links to just some of the best and most respected metal clay teachers, in alphabetical order.

Alice Alper-ReinAlice has been teaching jewelry making for more than 25 years. She taught metal clay certification courses for many years and continues to teach metal clay classes in various techniques in the New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania area.

Lorena AnguloLorena is an extraordinarily talented artist whose work proudly reflects her Mexican-American heritage. Her award-winning metal clay jewelry has been featured in numerous prestigious publications. Find her classes online at CraftArtEdu.com.

Maggie Bergman (Australia)Maggie introduced the use of photopolymer plates for creating custom molds for metal clay. She is a Senior PMC Instructor who works in fused glass, lampworked glass beads, and enamels combined with metal. She offers private metal clay instruction.

Lisa CainLisa is an award winning artist and the founder and director of the Mid Cornwall School of Jewellery and has earned the Masters Registry II credential. MCSJ has an outstanding reputation for superior educational experiences and top instructors.

Lorrene DavisLorrene is a Certified Master Instructor in Art Clay Silver as well as an award winning jewelry designer. She teaches a variety of metal clay workshops in her studio in Placerville, California.

Pam EastPam East is a fabulous enamelist and a certified Master Instructor in Art Clay Silver. She has written articles in numerous publications and is the author of "Enameling on Metal Clay." In 2014 she published two comprehensive DVDs on the subject.

Celie FagoCelie is a world renowned polymer clay and metal clay instructor and pioneer, an amazing artist, a trained metalsmith, and an an extraordinarily talented jewelry designer. She is one of the top metal clay artists and teachers in the world.

Holly GageHolly offers wonderful workshops as well as business, creative and technical mentoring for jewelry artists. She's a superb teacher who really engages her students.

Judy HaupinJudy teaches PMC classes in Brookline and Haverhill, Massachusetts. She offers introductory, project-based and technique-based metal clay classes as well as open workshops that include the cost of firing.

Patrik KusekPatrik is a highly respected, innovative jewelry artist and instructor who teaches in his studio in the San Francisco Bay Area and nationwide. He is the author of the book "Woodland Chic" and also offers metal clay classes online on CRAFTCAST.

Donna LewisDonna is an award-winning metal clay artist and teacher based in Arizona. She teaches metal clay classes in her studio and at major conferences including Bead Fest and Bead&Button. She's also the inventor of the excellent LiL BeLLA clay humidifie

Lesley MessamLesley creates stunning jewelry in various media. She has achieved Masters Registry IV and teaches a variety of superb (and fun!) jewelry classes in the UK including silversmithing, lampworking and introductory and advanced metal clay classes.

Marissa O'BrienMarissa is a delightful, energetic and multi-talented jewelry artist and instructor. She teaches a wide variety of metal clay techniques and projects in her classes and workshops in the greater Boston area

Kate Qualley PetersonKate is a well-known metal clay artist and instructor who teaches a variety of metal clay classes in her home studio only. She also offers private one-on-one instruction. Her work is absolutely gorgeous!

Julia RaiJulia is an award winning jewelry artist, co-Director of the Cornwall School of Art, Craft and Jewellery, instructor at the London Jewellery School, Director of the Metal Clay Academy, Masters Registry Level IV, and on the staff of Metal Clay Artist.

Barbara Becker SimonBarbara Simon is a world-renowned, award-winning, innovative jewelry artist known equally well for her work in lampworked glass and metal clay and author of "Metal Clay Beads". She teaches in South Florida, at conferences nationwide and on CRAFTCAST.

Wanaree Tanner - MetalClay Arts ConservatoryWanaree Tanner is an award-winning and highly sought-after metal clay jewelry artist and instructor. Her work is incredibly detailed, intricate and stunning. She now offers online classes and live intensives through her MetalClay Arts Conservatory.

Metal Clay Projects

There are an increasing number of metal clay projects online. Many of them are free! However, some are better than others.

Here are some of my favorite metal clay projects for you to try. Whether you're a beginner looking for a quick and easy first project or an intermediate or advanced metal clay artist, you will find a project appropriate to your skill level. Enjoy!

Quilted Silver BeadsTammy Powley's "quilted" silver beads are a quick and easy project for beginners. A good way to get started.

Multi-Strand Necklace with Seed Pod PendantThe Fire Mountain Gems site offers this intermediate-to-advanced tutorial by Tammy Honaman for a graceful seed pod pendant hung on a multi-strand necklace. I suggest substituting vermiculite for the fiber blanket, which can a pose health hazard.

Dimensional Textured EarringsPatrik Kusek's excellent free project sheets for Aftosa provide clear, step-by-step instructions and excellent photos. This one shows you how to make simple but elegant earrings that are textured and curved over a drinking glass for more interest.

Water Etched PendantAnother project sheet by Patrik Kusek for Aftosa. This one shows you how to use the water etching technique to create a subtle "etched" texture on metal clay by applying a resist and then sponging away a layer of the surrounding clay.

Metal Clay Over Bisque BeadsCovering bisque beads with fine silver metal clay is an easy way to create hollow silver beads, and the thin layer of silver over the bisque substructure makes this a much more affordable approach than creating the beads entirely from silver clay.

Some of My Other Metal Clay Articles Online

This article is part of an extensive series of guides to metal clay I've written. Together, they form a comprehensive online library of reliable metal clay information that serve as a valuable resource and reference for metal clay artists and instructors worldwide. Here are a few more helpful articles on metal clay techniques, working methods and recommended products.

Setting Gemstones in Metal ClayThis comprehensive guide covers a very wide range of techniques for setting gemstones in metal clay. Includes many settings for CZs, lab-created stones and natural gemstones that can be fired in place as well as stones that must be set after firing.

Making PMC Silver Metal Clay Oil PasteLearn how to make homemade oil paste out of PMC3 that will make strong joins and attachments on both fired and unfired silver metal clay. Covers alternative pure essential oils that can be substituted for lavender oil and Sherri Haab's Pastemaker.

Drying Metal ClayA detailed review of the most common methods for drying metal clay and the pros and cons of each. Discusses a variety of options including air drying, drying with cup warmers, hotplates, dehydrators, hair dryers, and drying props.

Reconstituting Dry Metal ClayStep-by-step instructions and helpful tips for various effective methods of rehydrating and reconstituting dried metal clay scraps, filing dust, and even entire packages of clay that have completely dried out to hard lumps.

Metal Clay StorageWrapping metal clay airtight in plastic wrap is not the best way to keep it moist and pliable. This guide recommends better solutions for keeping metal clay fresh during work sessions including clay humidifiers as well as long-term storage solutions.

Metal Clay Product ReviewsPersonal, unbiased product reviews of notable metal clay tools, supplies and equipment. Discusses the advantages and limitations of each hand-picked product and tips for using them effectively, based on the author's personal experience with them.

Do You Have Experience Using Metal Clay or Are You a Silver Clay Newbie?

No HTML is allowed in comments, but URLs will be hyperlinked. Comments are not for promoting your articles or other sites.

sending

dijetu 2 weeks ago

Thank you for this wonderful resource.

Author

Margaret Schindel 4 years agofrom Massachusetts

@anonymous: Thanks so much for your lovely compliment! I'm delighted to have introduced you to this wonderful material.

anonymous 4 years ago

I had not heard of this before, it's very interesting and such a complete lens on the subject, brilliant.

Author

Margaret Schindel 4 years agofrom Massachusetts

@grannysage: Thanks so much, Diane! That's really lovely and much appreciated! I'm off to take a loop at your copper enameling lens. That's something I've long wanted to try myself! :)

grannysage 4 years ago

I decided to add this very informative lens about your special artform to my own copper enameling lens related lens section. I like that you referred to it as alchemy in a comment below. I feel that way about enameling too.

Author

Margaret Schindel 4 years agofrom Massachusetts

@anonymous: Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! I'm delighted that you you're finding the information in this lens valuable. :)

anonymous 4 years ago

Wonderful site, with unbelievable useful information all in one location - the best I've come across so far. Thank you for all your hard work - it is much appreciated and you are now added to my favourites.

Author

Margaret Schindel 4 years agofrom Massachusetts

@miaponzo: Yes, it's so magical it's almost like alchemy! :)

miaponzo 4 years ago

Wow! I never realized that you could make real silver or gold jewelry this way! I thought it just looked that way!!!

Author

Margaret Schindel 4 years agofrom Massachusetts

@SusanDeppner: Thanks so much for your wonderful feedback, Susan! Much appreciated. I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

Susan Deppner 4 years agofrom Arkansas USA

I'm with AstroGremlin - learned something very new here today. What an amazing resource!

Author

Margaret Schindel 4 years agofrom Massachusetts

@AstroGremlin: Thanks so much! I'm delighted that you found it so interesting. :)

Author

Margaret Schindel 4 years agofrom Massachusetts

@BlogsWriter: Thank you!

BlogsWriter 4 years ago

This is full of information and very interesting.

Author

Margaret Schindel 4 years agofrom Massachusetts

@BlogsWriter: Thanks! I'm glad you found it interesting. :)

AstroGremlin 4 years ago

Had no idea what precious metal clay was until now. What a fantastic compendium of information.

BlogsWriter 4 years ago

This is full of information and very interesting.

Author

Margaret Schindel 4 years agofrom Massachusetts

@tonybonura: Thanks, Tony! I'm glad you enjoyed it so much. :)

Tony Bonura 4 years agofrom Tickfaw, Louisiana

I found this to be very interesting and very informative. When I was a mud engineer I worked with bentonite, but it is nothing like what you have described here.

TonyB

Author

Margaret Schindel 4 years agofrom Massachusetts

@miaponzo: I'm so glad you found it interesting! Many thanks for the SquidAngel blessing. :)

miaponzo 4 years ago

Thank you for this informative lens! Blessed!

Author

Margaret Schindel 4 years agofrom Massachusetts

@WriterJanis2: Thank you so much for your kind words and your blessings!

WriterJanis2 4 years ago

Wonderful lens that deserves a blessing.

Author

Margaret Schindel 5 years agofrom Massachusetts

@anonymous: My pleasure! I'm delighted that you found this lens interesting. :)

anonymous 5 years ago

Okay, so now I know exactly where I will turn if I ever try my hands at this technique. Thank you!

Author

Margaret Schindel 5 years agofrom Massachusetts

@wecomparebooks: Thanks very much for the lovely compliment! :)

karMALZEKE 5 years ago

I have just recently learned about metal clay. Thank you for this lens; it is most helpful and informative!

wecomparebooks 5 years ago

Awesome lens!

Thank you for sharing!

Author

Margaret Schindel 5 years agofrom Massachusetts

@karMALZEKE: You're very welcome! I'm glad you found it useful. :)

Author

Margaret Schindel 5 years agofrom Massachusetts

@GOT LM: Thanks! I'm so glad to have been able to introduce you to metal clay. :)

GOT LM 5 years ago

So unique and interesting!

sabrinadeceault 5 years ago

@Margaret Schindel: No problem. I'm glad to share. :)

Thanks,

Sabrina de Ceault

handmade jewelry

sabrinadeceault 5 years ago

@sabrinadeceault: My comment was broken so here is the fixed version. Sorry.

Metal Clay Supply is awesome I have purchased many things from there and will continue to do so.

@anonymous: Wow, Dana, what a fabulous compliment! Thank you SO much! I really appreciate it.

anonymous 5 years ago

Margaret, you have brought all of your ferocious attention to detail, passion for beauty, and love of teaching to this new world! Great stuff.

Author

Margaret Schindel 5 years agofrom Massachusetts

@Demaw: Thank you so much for your very kind compliments! They're much appreciated.

Demaw 5 years ago

Lovely pieces, lovely pictures.

Author

Margaret Schindel 5 years agofrom Massachusetts

@tvyps: Thank you SO much for your lovely compliment and for blessing this lens! I have done a little lampworked glass and would love to try some glass fusing, especially with dichroic glass (my favorite!).

Teri Villars 5 years agofrom Phoenix, Arizona

Nice stuff! Very pretty. Do you do art glass also? Squid Angel blessed!

This is a very useful resource, I have been wanting to add some precious metal pieces in my cardmaking designs. I will add this page to my collection.

Author

Margaret Schindel 5 years agofrom Massachusetts

@earthybirthymum: Thanks very much! It's true that this is not an inexpensive material, but it does allow you to make precious metal jewelry without a lot of traditional metal smithing skills, and more importantly it allows you to do things that would be difficult or even impossible with milled metals (wire and sheet metal). The good news is that there are base metal clays now that are far less expensive than silver clay! Most of them need to be fired in activated carbon and they are more finicky about their firing schedules than silver clay, but you can create some fabulous metal jewelry with them at a very reasonable cost. Check out my lens on Original BRONZclay (www.squidoo.com/bronzclay) for more information, and consider trying FASTfire BRONZclay for easier handling and a faster firing cycle. :)

earthybirthymum 5 years agofrom Ontario, Canada

Nice Lense, congratulations on your purple star! I've used PMC before, I'm not as enthusiastic about it, mostly because of the expense, but it is a medium I do enjoy working with.

@mochimo: It has been available in the USA since 1996 (and a few years earlier in Japan, where it was invented), but it didn't become well known or accepted as a legitimate, professional jewelry making material until the past five years or so. Now more and more jewelry artists are adding it to their repertoire of fine jewelry materials and techniques! :)

Love the texture and pattern in your work! And this lens is impressive!

Author

Margaret Schindel 5 years agofrom Massachusetts

@melodypierson: Great quote, Melody! :)

melodypierson 5 years ago

I heard a great line from Bruce Springsteen from a documentary. It pertained to writing songs but I think it works for any creative endeavour. "There's artistic instinct and artistic intelligence and hopefully over the years the two grow together..."

Author

Margaret Schindel 5 years agofrom Massachusetts

@Gayleybob: Hi Gayle! Thanks so much for visiting my lens and for letting me know how much you enjoyed it! I really appreciate it. See you on the WLW SSC! :)

Margaret

Author

Margaret Schindel 5 years agofrom Massachusetts

@Gayleybob: Hi Gayle! Thanks so much for visiting my lens and for letting me know how much you enjoyed it! I really appreciate it. See you on the WLW SSC! :)

Margaret

Gayleybob 5 years ago

Hi Margaret, from WLW Sunday Social Circle. I'm Gayle. I love your lens! Great info. Thank you for doing this!

Author

Margaret Schindel 5 years agofrom Massachusetts

@MamaBelle: Thanks! It's pretty addictive. :)

Francis Luxford 5 years agofrom United Kingdom

Cool stuff, I'd like some of this myself.

Author

Margaret Schindel 6 years agofrom Massachusetts

@Close2Art LM: Thank you! :)

Close2Art LM 6 years ago

thumbs up

Author

Margaret Schindel 6 years agofrom Massachusetts

@samsarah: It's a fabulous skill to have! You can start with the books and DVDs I've recommended in this lens, but if at all possible, it's best to take a class to get you started. You'll save in wasted clay what you spend on the class fee. Have fun!

samsarah 6 years ago

I'd really like to learn how to make jewelry!!!

Author

Margaret Schindel 6 years agofrom Massachusetts

@akumar46 lm: Thanks very much! :)

akumar46 lm 6 years ago

Very nice lens on Metal Clay.Thanks.

Author

Margaret Schindel 6 years agofrom Massachusetts

@anonymous: Thanks, Melody! I'll definitely check it out. :)

anonymous 6 years ago

@Margaret Schindel: If you're interested you can see the blog I write for MetalClayToday. I'm a guest blogger... check for http://www.metalclaytoday.com click on BLOG...and you shall find me with all my questions and mistakes and near misses..: ) So glad to have found you.

Author

Margaret Schindel 6 years agofrom Massachusetts

@anonymous: Hi Melody, I'm delighted that you're finding my lenses on metal clay to be helpful to you! I wished there had been something like this available to help me when I first started working with metal clay, which is exactly why I decided to create these lenses as resources as I started to accumulate more knowledge about various MC topics. And I'm always happy to help if there's a question I can answer. Thank you very much for your very kind and supportive feedback! :)

anonymous 6 years ago

As a newbie with Metal Clay (about a year and a half) someone recommended your pages here and I must say, I wish I knew about it when I was starting it out. The metal clay online community is so helpful and now I can add another great person to go to when I have a question.

Congratulations Margaret! Great to see your hard work rewarded with a purple star!

Author

Margaret Schindel 6 years agofrom Massachusetts

@dahlia369: Thank you so much for your blessing and for featuring this lens on your "My Life with Angel Wings" lens!!! I'm so glad you found this information interesting and useful. It's part of a series of more than a dozen lenses (so far) about metal clay, with more in the works. I'm very grateful for your kind words!

dahlia369 6 years ago

I have never heard of a precious metal clay before but I sure am a big fan of unique jewelry. Tons of useful information and resources on your lens, well deserved purple star and now also ***blessed*** and featured on "My Life with Angel Wings" lens. Congratulations!! :)

Author

Margaret Schindel 6 years agofrom Massachusetts

@anonymous: Thank you so much for the wonderful compliment! :)

anonymous 6 years ago

Special craft of using metals and art design, well deserved purple star.

Author

Margaret Schindel 6 years agofrom Massachusetts

@wildlens: Thanks so much for your wonderful feedback! I'm so glad I was able to provide the information you were looking for. I've published more than a dozen metal clay-related lenses on Squidoo, with more coming soon. I invite you to take a look, as I think you might find them helpful as well. Happy new year and thanks again for the kind feedback!

wildlens 6 years ago

Wonderful and very informative lens. I will surely reread it many many times - I was looking for something just like this. Thank you!

Author

Margaret Schindel 6 years agofrom Massachusetts

@jnstewart: Thank you very much for the lovely compliment. I hope you enjoy this wonderful medium as much as I do!

John Norman Stewart 6 years agofrom Cottonwood, CA

Amazing and informative lens. I plan to try this medium soon. Thanks for your efforts.

@Aquavel: Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! I'm truly delighted that my lens has inspired you to take another look at getting started with metal clay. Please take a look at my other lenses, too - I've written a dozen of them about various aspects of working with metal clay, and I think you'll find them helpful! And thanks for the lovely compliment on my metal clay jewelry. Much appreciated!

Aquavel 6 years ago

This is such a wonderful resource. I've wanted to work with metal clay for some time now. About 12 years ago I was playing with fimo and making earrings and miniature figures. Someone I knew was working in precious metal clay and I wanted to try it and take a class in it. I even looked into the prospect of getting a small kiln. I remember having my husband check the power in the garage to see if it would work there. But then I got sidetracked and started doing digital art. You're lens has me thinking about trying PMC. If I do, I'll be referring to your lens time and again! And your jewelry is stunning!

Author

Margaret Schindel 6 years agofrom Massachusetts

@myraggededge: Thank you so much! You've definitely made my day! :)

Metal clay is an amazing material. I was reading your fantastic Zentangle lens earlier today and thinking that when I get some "tangles" I really like, I might turn them into texture sheets (tear-away textures, photopolymer plates, etc.) to use for texturing metal clay.

Thanks again for your wonderful compliments and for your gracious blessing. All are greatly appreciated!

myraggededge 6 years ago

Fantastic resource. Coincidentally I read about metal clay yesterday and I hadn't even heard of it before. Love your jewelry.

@chevy-camaro-tv: Thanks so much for the wonderful compliment! You're right, it's pretty time- and effort-consuming to put together my metal clay lenses (there are now more than a dozen!), but it's a real labor of love, and getting supportive feedback from people like you makes it all worthwhile. :)

Author

Margaret Schindel 6 years agofrom Massachusetts

@anonymous: Hi Candice! I apologize for being so late in responding. Thanks very much for the 5-star rating! :) I hope you're able to find the time and money to start working with metal clay again soon.

SofiaMann 6 years ago

Really amazing. Great lens. Congratulations.

Author

Margaret Schindel 7 years agofrom Massachusetts

@DavidNemeth: Hi David, thanks for the lovely compliment. I've just added your site to the list of suppliers in this site. :)

DavidNemeth 7 years ago

@Margaret Schindel: Fantastic resource. Going to feature it in my lens. You might want to add www.metalclays.com to your resource. They are one of the only local suppliers for Israel but sell in US as well.

chevy-camaro-tv 7 years ago

Wow, this lens is truly awesome. I can't imagine the amount of effort it took to create it. Keep up the good work.

anonymous 8 years ago

5 Stars! :) I took a PMC jewelry making class and loved it. Now if I could only find the time and money to get started with it on my own.

- Candice of Artsy * Tartsy * Jewels

Author

Margaret Schindel 8 years agofrom Massachusetts

[in reply to zenna] Hi! You'll find a long list of UK suppliers as well as suppliers in Australia, Germany and the Netherlands in my Metal Clay Tools and Supplies lens at http://www.squidoo.com/metal-clay-tools. Hope that helps!

Margaret

anonymous 8 years ago

Very useful, but I have difficulty finding a supplier shipping to Europe. Help!

anonymous 9 years ago

I'm bouncing! I'm so excited to have found your site. I love all the information in ONE PLACE!